The Arzner, believed to be London’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ cinema, has been approved. Spearheaded by Simon Burke and Piers Greenlees, the establishment is slated to open later this year.

Located on Tower Bridge Road in the south of the city, the venue used to be the home of the independent cinema Kino Bermondsey. It features one screen, fitting up to 50 spectators, and a cocktail bar which brings the total capacity to 150.

Speaking at a Southwark Council licensing meeting, Burke clarified that the facility would not be used as “a club”, but instead “a safe space that people can predominantly relax in rather than being a loud live music venue.” He added that it would offer “access to art house and independent film”, encompassing new releases along with “prolific films that progressed queer cinema and lesser known titles that have been overlooked or forgotten”.

Business partners Burke and Greenlees already opened an LGBTQ+ pub, The Rising SE1, together in April 2023, and the former stated that the cinema would double the number of queer venues in the area.

“We are currently the only LGBTQ+ pub in SE1 and this to our knowledge will be the only LGBTQ+ cinema in all of London. This licence will allow us to operate a safe space for all in one of the most LGBTQ+ densely-populated areas of the country,” Burke stated.

The licensing committee, which previously rejected plans for the venue to be used as a shop, restaurant and fitness studio, gave the cinema and bar permission to open until 11pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and midnight from Thursday to Saturday.

In a separate statement, Burke expressed: “As queer spaces continue to close, we’ve been blown away by the reception of The Rising SE1. We’re ready to bring our experience, expertise and film background to The Arzner to create more queer spaces in the area.

“We’re delighted for this to be a fully accessible venue too, which is critical to ensuring people have equal access to entertainment spaces,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Greenlees shared: “The UK film industry is globally respected and responsible for producing some of the most notable LGBTQ+ films…We are excited to provide a new cultural home for queer cinema in the capital.”

The new LGBTQ+ cinema is named after Dorothy Arzner. The pioneering lesbian filmmaker was the first woman to direct a Hollywood talking picture almost 100 years ago with Manhattan Cocktail. She was also the first woman admitted to the Directors Guild of America.